The Humane Society of Monroe County

Events

From tiny acorns mighty oaks do grow.

The first Mutt & Me was a gathering of about 30 people, with their adopted dogs, who strolled down the sidewalks of Columbia. Then, it was a half mile walk. Now, 200 people come to run or walk, some with dogs and some without. This is Helping Strays and if you are looking for a dog to run with next year, we can help with that!

Mutt & Me 5K/Fun Walk

Fur Festival featuring the 12th Annual Mutt & Me 5K/Fun Walk

It’s the most beautiful time of the year in Illinois, and it’s time once again to enjoy the season by attending the Mutt & Me 5K Run and Fun Walk. We encourage you to bring your dog but dogs are not required for participation in the 5K or Fun Walk. Bring your four-legged friends or leave them at home; either way, we hope you'll join us for an exciting and fun day!

This year we have the pleasure to announce that the 12th Annual Mutt & Me will be held on Oct 7, 2017 at the new Helping Strays facility! But what is even more exciting is this year we have transformed the event into our first ever Helping Strays' Fur Festival! There will be activities for the whole family, from foot-tapping live music, to arts and crafts, hay rides, food, pet contests, and much more. You can even paint a tile of your pet that will be displayed in the shelter for years to come!

We have opened the event up from 8am - 1pm to some of our favorite vendors, who will bring a variety of amazing items for everyone to enjoy.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Our Bake Sale booth will be open all day full of all kinds of homemade goodies. Enjoy some treats while you're here and take a little something extra home. One of our local Girl Scout troops will be selling their famous pulled pork sandwiches, too!

Are you bringing your 4-legged friend? Don't forget to stop by and have your picture taken at our very own photo booth. Then enter your pouch in one or several of our fun pet contests! Get your pet ready by 11am and have them registered for best kisser/fastest tail wagger/youngest/oldest pets/longest tail/best howler/and/or best trick. No experience necessary and cool prizes will be awarded....its all about having fun!

Come learn about some of the cool things dogs are capable of by attending one of our live demonstrations. The Agility & Obedience Demos and Police Demonstrations will begin after the 5K Run and Fun Walk and continue through out the day from 8am until 1pm. Shelter tours will be offered through out the day, so don't miss your chance to see all you have helped us accomplish.